Saturday 27 November 2010 14.39 EST
First published on Saturday 27 November 2010 14.39 EST

Geordan Murphy is braced for an snow-covered aerial bombardment when Ireland meet Argentina in Dublin . Treacherous conditions are expected, with the Aviva Stadium pitch covered by snow morning, while showers of rain and sleet have also been forecasted.

The stormy weather is certain to increase the Pumas' reliance on the up-and-under, which is traditionally a key weapon in their arsenal. As full-back, Murphy will be the foil to Felipe Contepomi's boot and the Leicester captain is ready for the barrage.

"It's sod's law about the weather. It will be tighter with more kicking. I was expecting high balls anyway, but I'm sure there will be a few more now. They could quite literally put snow on the ball."

The conditions will cause plenty of consternation among the Ireland's squad members, whose ambition of developing a dynamic running game this autumn has been thwarted by the weather. Rain turned the defeat by South Africa and victory over Samoa into trench warfare and it was only against New Zealand that the Irish were able to express themselves.

Even in the dry, Argentina would be a tough proposition, but now Ireland must end their autumn the way they started it — with a battle of attrition. Victory is imperative and anything less would leave them with one win from four matches, a dismal return for a team of such ambition.

Argentina, placed one position lower in the world rankings in eighth, will provide formidable opposition with their pack full of grizzled veterans. Directing operations will be Contepomi, the brilliant if temperamental former Leinster and Bristol fly-half, who is also the tourists' captain.

"I've faced Felipe quite a few times because he also played in England," said Murphy. "He's a quality player and is such a threat offensively and defensively."

Ireland's inexperienced front row of Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Tony Buckley will be tested by the Pumas' scrum, but the rest of the home pack is full of familiar faces. The performance of new-look half-back pairing Peter Stringer and Jonathan Sexton will be watched closely, with the duo having shown promise in the last 15 minutes against New Zealand.

"They did very well against the All Blacks and will be looking forward to starting together," Murphy said.

Murphy will be making his first appearance of the autumn after profiting from the knee injury sustained by Rob Kearney against New Zealand. It will be the 32-year-old's 69th Test appearance and his first since winning two caps as a substitute on the summer tour Down Under.

Though delighted to be involved, Murphy will be cursing his luck that his recall coincides with inhospitable conditions ill-suited to his counter-attacking game. "I haven't been involved over the last few weeks so it's a huge honour to be back," he said.